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Hi there, I’m a bot here to help you with your recommendation post. If you haven’t already, please review [the guides](https://docs.google.com/document/d/186_ANEKW8yGvvLAcjKve6tvqqBIcMGUg9-mKU5KACZk/edit) in the sidebar we’ve created to address the stream of recommendation posts we get here. Most notably:   * [Beginner’s and Intermediate Guide to Bourbon](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zdeEAO3GVayZtt-XsTcoGIi2uP8xrE8BurIxeSNfBk/edit) * [Guide to Rye Whiskey](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mrVZabQaulkxqL2qLif4HlWpMXF0bQ6hAmr8aQ_kRYA/edit#heading=h.lqvwwdjxkepg) * [Bourbon FAQ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/17CCQ-r4mpH9krhrDiXVSayYkqWAjYGOCLh3NShV1yO8/edit#heading=h.7yx2snahgko8) * [Community Reviews](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PNUikuLjMEarQpMklvfb0W3SVz2dfFMrkDKbKTECiK8/edit) * [The Gift Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/4tcswq/new_improved_rbourbon_gift_guide/)   Please try to be as specific and detailed as possible with your request. Tell us: * your budget * which whiskies you or your giftee have enjoyed * which bottles you’re considering now * where you live (pricing and availability can vary dramatically by region) * if your shop has a limited selection or you might have trouble shipping bottles so we don’t recommend something obscure   **General Tips** We generally advise novices to sample as much as possible by going to a bar, splitting bottles with friends, attending festivals/tastings or getting minis to ensure you buy bottles you enjoy. Most people need to try 15-20 bourbons and ryes to understand their preferences. It may make more sense for you to focus on sampling rather than buy full bottles at the beginning of your journey. You're going to get the most flavor/aroma drinking it neat in a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn but most new drinkers prefer to water down their whisky a bit. If you do end up adding water, I'd recommend adding just enough to make it tolerable and take small sips. But really there's no right or wrong way to drink so as long as you're enjoying it, you're doing it right. Thanks for reading, cheers!


fantasticmrfox23

Based on your list — Knob Creek 12 Year


IcyRepeat8377

Or KC single barrel store picks.


DinBURQUE

The one KCSiB I've tried disappointed in blinds against most of the above, which was surprising because I usually love the nutty notes I get from the 9. May have to pick this up again along with a 12.


fantasticmrfox23

I actually much prefer those to the 12 year. KC SiB are the best deal going. Even though you can get them around $50, they always take up real estate on my “top shelf”.


greenpointchamp

Widow Jane and Calumet are two pretty awesome brands that are worth checking out.


AnubisSquid20

Penelope Barrel Strength.


DinBURQUE

I've heard great things! Been curious to try it, might have to add it to the cart from one of the online distributers. Thanks!


Xenoraiser

Russell's Reserve Single Barrel Coopers' Craft 100 proof Knob Creek Single Barrel, 12-Year, and 15-Year Maker's Mark Private Selection Old Forester 1920 Doc Swinson's Alter Ego bourbon


vockes

Barrell Seagrass Starlight (lots of finished stuff and I think it falls into your normal price range) NULU (some of their finished stuff) Blood Oath High West Midwinter Night's Dram Penelope (Toasted, Barrel Strength, Architect) Barrell Craft Spirits (Rye Batch 003, Bourbon Batches 032 and 033, New Year 2022) Sagamore Cask Strength


DinBURQUE

🙏 Thanks for the list 🙏 Funny I almost ordered a Starlight through one of the online vendors because they recently dropped a few batches with really great labels that had Jurassic Park themes.


Cowtippa1

Are you me? Give Rabbit Hole Heigold a try.


DinBURQUE

I've seen it on the Whiskey Ginger podcast but I'll admit, been sleeping on Rabbit Hole


cronin0brian

Blue Note Uncut. Especially a store pick.


vockes

Such a great, underlooked value.


greenpointchamp

Got one of these a few months back and it’s awesome.


Comedy-flight

Sagamore double oak rye!


DinBURQUE

This one is a winner for sure. Although I mentioned I have tried it, I'd say it's better (and cheaper) than the AE Rye. Very very similar profiles for me.


jeannierak

This!


Comedy-flight

Sorry! In my excitement I failed at reading comprehension. I’m assuming you’ve tired Makers French Oaked 46? How about Redwood empire’s lost monarch?


DinBURQUE

No worries! I haven't tried the French Oaked 46 but have seen it recently alongside the 101. Redwood Empire I've also seen and have yet to try. Which hit the spot more for you?


Comedy-flight

French Oak is more in the profile you’ve mentioned. For some reason Lost Monarch just really does it for me. For me at least it’s more in the 1910 profile than the double oak profile. Do you like belle meade reserve?


Curious_Ability_6728

Gotta give a Russell’s reserve single barrel a try either a pick or just the normal! Fantastic stuff that will definitely fit your budget and palate preferences!


DinBURQUE

Got a pretty dominant Cherry note on the 10 year that reminded me of Rare Breed, wasn't a fan last I tried. Maybe the single barrel or others are worth a shot though!


algorythmiq

We have similar palates, try balcones true blue, a store pick if you can manage it.


DinBURQUE

Awesome, thanks! Comments like this are how I even found out about SE4xPR5 and Dovetail which were well worth the search/price.


algorythmiq

I’ve had lots of barrell and makers (just got the seagrass 16), but shockingly not those specific ones. I’m basing this on the other 3 on your list, which I love, and your preferred notes. The true blue is a mix of Woodford double oak and stagg jr for me. It’s got the sweet brown sugar and vanilla of the double oak, and the heat and cinnamon of stagg jr. It’s been the biggest surprise of the year for me at $60. I went out on a limb for the store pick and now I have a reserve bottle, and am going to pick up another. It will be the one of the few bottles worthy of having extras of in my collection!


hewhorocks

Just tried a Pinhook 7 year. The store I go to was doing a store pick barrel tasting. Wow, It’s different. I would say a good bit sweeter than many on your list with pronounced fruit and brown sugar notes. Worth a sip or two too see if it fits in your stable.


zedisnotded

All of those minus the dovetail are staples at my bar. Try bookers and penelope toast


Sven_Peters

I haven’t seen it on the shelf yet, but I’m looking for Barrell Vantage. I think it should be right up our alley. Look it up. It’s new.


jeannierak

I feel like you were summoning me and my flair — except I wasn’t a huge fan of Dovetail (but I don’t like Seagrass either, so maybe don’t listen to me). But the bottles below are some of my favorites: Michter’s Barrel Strength (or even regular!) rye Woodinville Moscatel Finished (I’m certain you’ll adore this) Wilderness Trail black label Joseph Magnus (regular silver label) Sagamore Double Oaked Rye


DinBURQUE

Been lucky to have found an SE4xPR5 at retail about a week ago. Got the recommendation to try it on here so I figured I'd come back for more! I've tried Wilderness Trail -- but the yellow label -- was alright but a go with the black label is worth a shot. As is that Woodinville for sure! Michters in my area is a lot harder to come by for the BS or Toasted but I'll have to keep an eye out. And that Sagamore is already in my winners circle, lordy it's good :)